America's 25 Hottest Fishing Spots

When a multiyear wet cycle began in the eastern Dakotas in 1993, Devil's Lake was no puddle at 40,000-some acres. Now it's more than tripled in size. "That water flooded so much good habitat, the fishing's going to be excellent for a long time," says Ted Robinette of Fish Locators Guide Service. Known by ice fishermen as the yellow perch capital of the world, Devil's Lake is also known for producing walleyes and northern pike, Robinette says. "Freshwater shrimp fatten up our walleyes in a hurry. I had 58 fish in my boat last summer that were 25 inches or longer. And you won't get any better pike fishing, even in Canada." Sweet Spot: Minnewaukan (western) end What's Hot: Haley's and Fat Boys tipped with minnows for perch Local Advice: "Come for pike with Shad Raps in five colors: perch, blue-and-silver, black-and-silver, firetiger, and clown," Robinette says. Prime Time: December until ice-out for perch More Info: Fish Locators Guide Service, 701-766-4199; www.fishdevilslake.com